Monthly Archives: August 2024

Nurturing the Home in Autumn

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I know it is still summer, but since down here in the South school has already started, young adults are back at college and some of us are longing for cooler weather, I have been thinking about how to nurture and nourish our home for autumn.

Because, the reality is that whether I am working outside the home or not, whether children are in the home or not, I love homemaking. I love our home to feel peaceful and warm. I still love to celebrate all the autumn festivals, which for me look like Michaelmas, Martinmas, All Saints and All Souls.

Now is a great time to get organized. I have to plan around homeschooling and work outside the home, but I love to put autumn adventures and self -care on the calendar. My self care coming up includes acupuncture and massage plus exercise and inner work. We are trying a new church tomorrow, so that is exciting.

We have a strong daily and weekly rhythm at this point, so mainly I am thinking about how I can make our house cozy? We got some new porch chairs and I got sunflower pillows and a throw and freshened up an autumn wreath we had. I am anticipating porch sitting as the temperature goes down. We will be in the middle of a barn addition on the farm as we head into September, but I am already looking forward to new paint and flowers for around the barn when the addition is complete.

In the home, I am mainly thinking of decluttering, pulling out puzzles and cozy pillows and throws, and having a bar for tea and hot chocolate set up. Bread baking and baking in general will come back more and I am excited for that!

What kinds of things are you doing in your home as we head into September?

Blessings,
Carrie

Joy in the Home

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“We must make the mother happy, as the child thrives on joy!” – Michaela Glockler

In this time where I see parents more and more searching for right answers, (convinced there is a “right answer” in matters of parenting), increasingly time- pressed and pressured from the economic side of life, with perhaps less differentiation between children and adults, there often can be little joy in parenting.

The smallest interactions with your child have the potential to be joyful, if one slows down long enough to experience this. All children, but small children especially, need the gift of time. Some have labeled this “slow parenting”, but this wisdom used to not need such a label. This does not mean they are shut off in their rooms for long periods alone and with technology but instead of infusing into the life of the family through a continued call to come and be held by the warmth and joy in the house.

Early years children need just the smallest flexible rhythm around diapering/bathroom; eating; playing and working; rest and sleeping with warmth infused in a happy and stable rhythm. Middle years children need heartfelt guidance of what to do with emotions, how to participate in an expanded community life and with expanded rhythms and responsibilities. The adolescent needs to begin the work of discerning right judgment, right initiative, right independent thinking – among other things. Four years in high school goes by rather quickly.

The backdrop to the developmental tasks in hand of the parent is that of joy. How can you bring more joy into your homes and into your attitudes in parenting? How you nurturing your own path? This is important not only for tiny children who notice so many small details in their world, but even for the teenagers who will notice the home cooked meal, the flowers on the table, the smile when they enter the door and more. We can hold this space throughout the stages of development.

Our third child is now fourteen and entering ninth grade, the first year of high school in the States. We are embarking on this journey for the last time and I am thinking and meditating in regards to how to help guide him in the best possible way toward his future. At this point, we also have coaches, mentors, other parents of his friends, to also assist us and to love him. This is invaluable. Your community is so important and helpful in this time.

How are you planning your new parenting and homeschooling year to bring joy?

Love to all,

Carrie